The present invention relates to a bicycle frame power socket assembly for providing a bicycle frame with a power socket function for connecting a bicycle’s on-board computer and/or power supply, which are/is preferably inside the frame, to a subsystem of the bicycle which is connectable to the on-board computer and/or power supply, this connectability being achieved by means of the bicycle frame power socket. The present invention also relates to a bicycle, in particular an electric bicycle, provided with such a bicycle frame power socket assembly. It is known practice in bicycles to use electric cables to connect a light to a dynamo or battery, for example. It is also known practice to connect an electric motor for driving the bicycle to a battery. The battery may be located inside or outside the frame. For this, a cable is used which runs from the battery to the motor. One drawback of such a cable is that assembly or maintenance is troublesome, even when the cable is interruptible via a connector.

In order to overcome such a drawback, the present invention provides a frame power socket assembly on a bicycle frame for connecting a bicycle’s internal on board computer and/or power supply, which are/is preferably secured to the frame, to a subsystem of the bicycle which is connectable to the on-board computer and/or power supply, this connectability being achieved by means of the bicycle frame power socket, comprising:

- a frame portion assembly for arranging or mounting on a frame portion, such as a frame tube or fork, such as a front fork, seatstay or chainstay, the frame portion assembly comprising: - a power socket connector, preferably embodied as a male or female connector, for cooperating with a plug connector,

- securing means and/or preferably at least one mounting element, for attaching the power socket connector with respect to the frame portion for insertion of the plug connector, wherein: - the power socket connector, preferably for relaying a control connection and/or data connection from the on-board computer, is connectable or connected to the on-board computer and/or, preferably for providing an electrical power supply, is connectable or connected to the battery of the bicycle, and wherein the plug connector is connectable or connected to the subsystem, and - the power socket connector for insertion of the plug connector is attachable or attached such that it is secured substantially fixedly, or fixedly for the purpose of insertion, to the frame portion, thereby providing a power socket function on the bicycle frame.

It is an advantage of such a bicycle frame power socket assembly that, for assembly and/or maintenance, the power socket function is provided on the bicycle frame for easy insertion of the plug connector. In this way, such a subsystem is advantageously connectable to the bicycle’s on-board computer and/or the battery. When assembling the bicycle, such a power socket function preferably provides an electrical power supply, a data connection and/or a control by means, for example, of control signals from the on-board computer. In this case, the on-board computer preferably comprises a function such as switching the bicycle on/off on the basis of suitable input from the bicycle’s rider, such as by means of a connection to a mobile telephone application or entering a code on the basis of which the bicycle is activable and subsequently usable for the rider. In this case, the power socket assembly functions both as a data connection and as a power connection. Advantageously, the bicycle frame power socket assembly or the power socket assembly thereof preferably forms part of a cable connection or cable harness between the on-board computer and the subsystem.

The power socket function of the bicycle frame power socket assembly advantageously further provides for such a subsystem being easily detachable by uncoupling the plug connector from the power socket connector, for maintenance on the bicycle.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the frame portion assembly comprises a cavity which is formed in a respective frame portion at the location of the bicycle frame power socket assembly and/or the power socket connector, preferably wherein the cavity is arranged on the inside or the outside of the frame portion. By means of such a cavity, the bicycle frame power socket assembly or the power socket connector is advantageously arrangeable at least partially or completely in the frame portion. In this way it is advantageously ensured that it takes up relatively little space on the outside of the frame portion or is relatively out of sight. A further advantage in this case is that it is relatively protected from damage because a relatively small part thereof extends out of the frame portion.

According to one further preferred embodiment, the frame portion assembly partially comprises a mounting element which is mountable inside, through and/or outside an opening through a wall of the frame portion. In this way, it is advantageously made so that the power socket function of the bicycle frame power socket assembly, such as the power socket connector thereof, is mountable at this location. Preferably, the securing means are formed by at least one mounting element, for attaching the power socket connector to the frame portion.

According to one further preferred embodiment, the frame portion assembly comprises both the cavity and the mounting element, preferably wherein the power socket connector is arranged at the location of the cavity and/or the mounting element. By combining the cavity and the mounting element, it is possible both for the bicycle frame power socket assembly or the power socket connector thereof to be at least partially arrangeable within the frame portion and for the power socket connector to be at least partially arrangeable outside the frame portion. In this way, the power socket connector may advantageously be attached to or partially in the frame portion. This allows an optimal combination of the advantages of protection, optical concealment of the bicycle frame power socket assembly and accessibility of the power socket connector through the plug connector.

Further preferably, the bicycle frame power socket assembly comprises a cover element for covering the power socket connector with the plug connector inserted therein. In this way, the connection between the power socket connector and the plug connector is advantageously covered during use thereof. Further advantageously, the bicycle frame power socket assembly or an opening through the frame portion thereof is covered during use thereof. In this way, such a cover element contributes to the protection and safety of use of the bicycle frame power socket assembly. Preferably, the cover element is connected or connectable to the mounting element. For this, the cover element and the mounting element are preferably provided with cooperating coupling elements, for detachably connecting the cover element to the mounting element.

Preferably, the cover element provides and/or forms a passage for the plug connector and/or a cable between the plug connector and the subsystem, the cover element preferably comprising a cable guide channel. Using such a passage further limits the ingress of dirt and moisture by implementing this step arrangeably with respect to the cable. Further advantageously, the cable guide channel further limits the ingress of dirt and moisture by covering the cable over a certain length. Further advantageously, the cable guide channel provides a direction for the cable to the cable’s destination, such as the subsystem. In this way, the cable guide channel provides the advantage of preventing or reducing wear on the cable due to a load such as a tensile load at the point of exit from the frame portion assembly. According to one further preferred embodiment, the power socket connector and the plug connector create a moisture-resistant and/or substantially watertight connection, such as a watertight connection as defined according to an IPxx standard, in particular IP69 and/or IP66. Using such a connection advantageously protects connectors or connector pins of the power socket connector from moisture or corrosion. Furthermore, it is advantageously made so that the orientation of the bicycle frame power socket assembly is not a determining factor with respect to the risks of unwanted ingress of moisture. A substantially horizontal arrangement is thus also possible.

According to one further embodiment, the power socket connector and the plug connector comprise connector pins suitable for transmitting an electric current, such as a motor supply current, at a voltage of up to 100 volts, preferably lower than 80 volts, more preferably lower than 72 volts, more preferably lower than 60 volts, more preferably lower than 50 volts, such as, for example, between 12 volts and 48 volts, and at an amperage of up to 100 A, preferably lower than 80 A, more preferably lower than 60 A, more preferably lower than 40 A. In this way, it is advantageously made so that the power socket assembly is suitable for supplying power to a drive motor of a bicycle.

Further preferably, the power socket connector and the plug connector comprise connector pins suitable for transmitting control signals or data signals. It this way, it is advantageously made so that the power socket assembly is suitable for delivering control signals and data signals to a respective subsystem. According to the preferred embodiment described below, the bicycle frame power socket assembly advantageously provides for connection between an on-board computer and a drive motor of the bicycle, where both the current for driving the motor and measurement signals from the motor may be managed by the power socket assembly.

According to one further preferred embodiment, the bicycle frame power socket assembly is arranged on or in a frame tube, such as in the seat post or down tube, or fork, such as a front fork, seatstay or chainstay. In this way, it is advantageously made so that, when assembling the bicycle the frame, when fitting the on-board computer and/or the drive battery, all necessary connections in the frame are also installable insofar as the wiring thereof is located in the frame, such as up to the bicycle frame power socket assembly or the frame portion assembly thereof. If a subsystem is subsequently mounted or installed on the outside of the frame, only the plug connection then needs to be established.

Further preferably, the mounting element is connectable and/or connected to the frame element and/or the frame portion by means of securing means, such as a click-fit connection, threaded connection and/or bonded connection. In this way, it is advantageously made so that the power socket connector is connectable to the frame portion fixedly or fixedly for the purpose of insertion as required.

Further preferably, the power socket connector forms part of the mounting element or is embodied as a cable plug which is preferably securable to the bicycle frame power socket assembly by means of the frame portion assembly.

In this way, it is advantageously made so that a transition between the cable in the direction of the on-board computer and/or power supply is connected to the power socket connector in a durable and/or watertight manner. In this way, despite the use of a bicycle frame power socket assembly, a virtually uninterrupted cable connection between the on-board computer and the subsystem is achieved or simulated. Further preferably, the power socket connector is connected to a cable harness or cable by means of a water-resistant, bonded, moulded and/or fused connection. This advantageously allows the advantage of such a continuous wire connection to be achieved by means of a bicycle frame power socket assembly according to the present embodiment. Further advantageously, such a connection is provided between the plug connector and the cable in the direction of the subsystem. Furthermore, it is advantageously made so that the orientation of the bicycle frame power socket assembly is not a determining factor with respect to the risks of unwanted ingress of moisture. A substantially horizontal arrangement is thus also possible.

Further preferably, the bicycle frame power socket assembly comprises the plug connector.

According to one further preferred embodiment, the bicycle frame power socket assembly comprises part of the wall of the frame portion, such as comprising the cavity or a respective element, such as a screw thread element, for the threaded connection according to one preferred embodiment. In this way, mounting of the power socket connector or a mounting element, if used, is advantageously arrangeable on, integrable with or attachable to the frame portion. Further preferably, the power socket connector is a female connector and the plug connector is a male connector cooperating therewith.

According to one further preferred embodiment, connector pins or respective connectors of the power socket connector and/or the plug connector comprise corrosion protection, such as by means of gold plating. In this way, the durability and/or moisture resistance of the bicycle frame power socket assembly is advantageously further improved.

According to one further preferred embodiment, the bicycle frame power socket assembly comprises an over-cover element for providing the frame portion assembly with an over-cover. In this way, an improved transition is provided between a power socket connector and/or a mounting element and the frame portion.

Further preferably, the power socket connector forms part of a cable harness of a bicycle, preferably an electrically driven bicycle or cable infrastructure, the cable harness connecting the bicycle’s on-board computer and/or battery to a subsystem of the bicycle. In this way, it is advantageously made so that such a cable harness with use of the present invention is divisible so as to afford advantages during assembly, fitting and/or maintenance of or on the bicycle.

The present invention also relates to a bicycle, in particular an electric bicycle, provided with at least one bicycle frame power socket assembly according to the present invention. Preferably, the bicycle comprises at least one subsystem connected to the plug connector, wherein the at least one subsystem is preferably chosen from the group consisting of: a motor, in particular an electric motor, an actuator, in particular an actuator for gearing and/or a bicycle lock. In particular, the bicycle frame power contact connector assembly is designed for the connection of a motor, in particular an electric motor, or another connectable or connected bicycle system, to the frame. In this case, it is conceivable for the motor to be at least electrically connectable or connected to the bicycle using the bicycle frame power contact connector assembly.

Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be described hereinbelow in greater detail with the aid of one or more preferred embodiments with reference to the appended figures. Similar — but not necessarily identical — components from various preferred embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembled preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment with a part removed.

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of two parts of the preferred embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a frame portion for use according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the frame portion with, arranged therein, a respective part according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a subsequent stage of assembly according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of part of the preferred embodiment from inside the frame portion.

A first preferred embodiment (Figs. 1-7) according to the present invention relates to a bicycle frame power socket assembly 1 or parts thereof. This comprises a frame portion assembly 2 which is arranged on a frame portion 11 , in this case a leg of a front fork. The frame portion assembly 2 comprises a mounting element 3 which is arrangeable in an opening 15 in the frame portion 11 . The bicycle frame power socket assembly further comprises a power socket connector (33) into which a plug connector (34) is to be inserted. The bicycle frame power socket assembly further comprises a cover element 7 for covering part of the rest of the frame portion assembly, such as the mounting element, the plug connector and the power socket connector. An optional transition between the frame portion 11 and the mounting element 3 is formed by an over-cover element 13 formed in the frame portion element. An end portion of the frame element and/or the frame portion 11 is a mounting part for a wheel axle of the bicycle, in this case the front wheel with a drive motor arranged therein (not shown).

Fig. 2 shows the bicycle frame power socket assembly without cover element 7. Both the power socket connector 33 and the plug connector 34 are visible here.

The plug connector 34 is provided with a cable 6 which runs from the bicycle frame power socket assembly to the bicycle’s drive motor. The connection between the power socket connector and the cable 5 is shown in Fig. 7. This cable 5 runs through the frame to the on-board computer and/or the battery or a motor control unit of the on-board computer.

In this case, the power socket has the functionality of transmitting the drive current to the drive motor. Furthermore, the power socket has functionality for communicating information from the motor to the on-board computer relating to information from a temperature sensor and information relating to a rotation sensor or speedometer. This information is used by the on-board computer to monitor the state of the motor and to control the motor on the basis thereof. Furthermore, information relating to the rotation is converted so as to display a speed on a display of the on-board computer for the bicycle’s rider. Thus, the bicycle frame power socket assembly is an integral part of the bicycle’s cable harness. Alternatively, provision is made for subsystems other than the drive motor to be connectable to the on-board computer and/or a battery by means of such a bicycle frame power socket assembly.

The cable 5 is connected to the power socket connector 33 in a water-resistant manner while the cable 6 is connected to the plug connector 34 in a water-resistant manner. The connection between the power socket connector 33 and the plug connector 34 is made so as to be water-resistant such that, after inserting the plug connector into the power socket connector, the connection is substantially watertight so that moisture substantially cannot reach the connectors or pins of the power socket connector.

The mounting element 3 has an inner space 39 for arranging the power socket connector 33 therein. In addition, the rear side of the mounting element 3 has a cable clip 19 for clipping the cable 5 therein. In this way, the cable 5 is provided with guiding from the power socket connector. The mounting element 3 also has two support arms 17, 18 with which it is fastened to the threaded holes 13, 14 of the frame portion by means of fastening eyes 13’, 14’. Preferably, the power socket connector is thereby clamped between the cavity 16 in the frame portion and the cavity 29 in the mounting element. By means of such an arrangement, the frame portion assembly 2 is substantially complete. Alternatively, instead of the mounting element 3, an adhesive material, such as a paste, is, for example, used for securing the power socket connector to the frame portion.

The cover element 7 is attachable to the click-fit slots 17’, 18’ of the arms 17, 18’ of the mounting element 3 by means of click-fit arms or click-fit elements 39, 39’.

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of the power socket connector with respect to the cavity 16 in the frame portion 11 in greater detail. Fig. 6 shows the arrangement of the power socket connector with respect to the cavity 16 in the frame portion 11 with a mounting element 3 secured by means of bolts 13”, 14” over it in greater detail. By means of the preferred embodiment, the invention, as well as a number of preferred embodiments thereof, are implemented. Advantageously, in this preferred embodiment, a water-resistant detachable connection is provided between an on board computer and/or battery of an electrically driven bicycle and the motor thereof. In this way, current is delivered to the motor for driving the bicycle and data is transmitted between the motor and the on-board computer. The power socket connector of the bicycle frame power socket assembly thus forms part of the cable harness between the on-board computer and the motor or another bicycle subsystem. In this way, it is advantageously made so that such a connection can be easily detached from and attached to the cable harness for assembly, installation or maintenance of or on the bicycle. By virtue of their water-resistant connection between the cable or cable harness in the frame and the socket connector and the water-resistant connection between the cable and the plug connector, a high degree of reliability is achieved. By virtue of a water-resistant connection between the plug connector and the power socket connector, substantially the entire connection between the on-board computer and/or the battery and the motor or other subsystem is both reliable and mountable.

Further definitions. A bicycle subsystem refers to a system within the context of the present invention which forms part of the bicycle and adds a function to the bicycle. Such a subsystem is preferably connectable to the on-board computer for control and/or battery. Preferably, such a subsystem is controllable by the on-board computer for carrying out at least some of the functions thereof. Examples of subsystems used in a bicycle according to the present invention or forming part of a range from the present applicant are a motor, actuator for gearing or a bicycle lock. In the above, the prevent invention is described with the aid of a number of preferred embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments are to be considered as described in combination with one another, with all combinations conceivable for a person skilled in the art on the basis of this document to be read as included therein. These preferred embodiments are not limiting with respect to the scope of protection of this document. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.